A chat with Rachel at The Playhouse

‘Take 2’ at The Playhouse

 The Barraba Community News team caught up with Rachel Bennewitz on her first day as the new owner of The Playhouse. In amongst guests, tradies and fire inspectors Rachel found a few minutes to talk to us.

1. Welcome Rachel and congratulations on your purchase of The Playhouse. Is this type of business a new adventure for you?
2. Yes, it is. Whilst I’ve had some hospitality experience I’ve never owned and operated anything as exciting and diverse as The Playhouse.
3. Tell us a bit about your background?
4. I’ve worked in a range of service sectors supporting people as a lecturer, behaviour practitioner trainer, rehabilitation, supporting and advocation for social justice principles for people with disabilities, and community development.
5. What was the attraction for you of The Playhouse and Barraba?                                                                                                                     
   1. I was looking for a new direction, saw The Playhouse, fell in love with it and I can understand Andrew’s passion for the business. I plan to work with the community and build on what Andrew has created.
   2. You have been out and about Barraba over the last few weeks – what’s your first impressions?
   3. I’m loving it, everyone is so welcoming and helpful. I’ve had people offering to help just to make the changeover easier for both Andrew and me. This is now my home and I want The Playhouse Hotel to be used as a community hub.

   Andrew is leaving Barraba with a wonderful resource. I’m interested in your plans for the future.

    

   1. The theatre will most definitely continue, with movies and live shows. I’m looking to continue Andrew’s legacy and hope to increase the creative arts options available to Barraba. I’m already working on an ‘old fashioned candy bar’ to be built in the theatre foyer.

   At the moment though it’s looking a bit of a wreck as it’s storing 23 years of Andrew’s life and memories.

   1. For the café/restaurant. What are your thoughts about that area.
   2. I want to reopen the café, including evening restaurant hours. I’d like to host functions, both small and mid-size for family birthdays or other get togethers where people need a venue with various options. First, I need to find a person to run it and I want them to be open consistent hours, to have a strong sense of ownership and we’ll work together to build it up. I hope local people won’t feel it might be too expensive. I really want them to talk to me so I put together a package to meet their needs at a cost to meet their budget.

   I’m hoping locals will drop in for coffee, chat or glass of wine. I want to see people enjoying themselves at The Playhouse.

   In talking about The Playhouse and what it offers I can’t help but realise what a diverse range of traveller and hospitality services you offer. It’s a complex multi-faceted business

   1. Are there some other services you have in mind for the future as you both settle in?
   2. I’m thinking about weekend retreats such as, creative arts, wellness, local tours and a few other ideas that I have floating around my head.

   Rachel’s contacts are: phone 02 67821109 and email play@playhousehotel.com    Give Rachel a call.